The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has initiated a citizen feedback campaign under the Swachh Bharat Mission (City II), but officials report that public engagement remains inadequate. According to the Swachh Survekshan 2026 guidelines, a minimum of 5 percent of the city's population must provide feedback via QR codes regarding cleanliness and municipal services. However, authorities have observed that citizens have shown limited enthusiasm in registering and sharing their opinions, thereby hindering the progress of the campaign.
Impact on Rankings and Funding
Officials have cautioned that failing to achieve the participation targets could negatively affect Belagavi's Swachh ranking and lead to a reduction in central urban development grants. In response, the corporation has intensified awareness initiatives and is appealing to residents to engage in the feedback process to enhance the city's performance.
Citizen Response 2026 Initiative
The Citizen Response 2026 initiative is a component of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Officials emphasize that every citizen's input is vital for the city's cleanliness and development. Based on the 2011 census, approximately 35,000 individuals out of the city's 6.5 lakh population need to participate in this exercise. However, despite several days since its launch, the target remains unmet. So far, around 23,000 citizens have registered and provided feedback. The sluggish pace is attributed to a lack of awareness and public indifference.
To address this, over 55 officers and staff members have been deployed to ensure that the BCC meets its objectives. Corporation representatives are visiting institutions and public places to encourage participation. Officials warned that the failure to collect the requisite feedback could compromise Belagavi's ranking in Swachh Survekshan, while corporators noted that it might also result in cuts to central government grants for urban development.
Commissioner's Appeal
BCC Commissioner Kartik M stated that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2016, aims to create a better civic environment based on people's feedback. The government also awards star ratings and incentives to cities that prioritize cleanliness. The survey comprises five sets of questions covering waste and toilet management, and citizens can respond by scanning campaign QR codes. He urged residents to actively participate and cooperate.
Officials added that feedback is collected across three age groups: 20 to 35, below 60, and above 60. Scores are finalized after compiling citizens' responses and suggestions.
